April 21 -- "Jesus: The Ultimate Evangelist"

Today’s Reading: Luke 4:23-44

We don’t often think of Him this way, but Jesus was the ultimate evangelist, wholly devoted to proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom. At the very heart of His ministry was the mission to preach the gospel—the Greek word for this is euangelizō, which means “to proclaim good news” or “to bring glad tidings.” This word not only reflects the act of preaching but carries the rich connotation of sharing a transformative message that brings hope and joy. It perfectly encapsulates Jesus’ life and purpose.

From the outset, Jesus left no doubt about His mission. In today’s verse, He declared, “I must evangelize – I was sent for this purpose.” This wasn’t just a casual statement—it was the foundation of everything He did. Every miracle, every healing, and every word Jesus spoke was anchored in His calling to proclaim the arrival of God’s reign on earth. These signs and wonders served as validations of the Good News He preached, emphasizing that lives could be redeemed, sins forgiven, and the broken world restored under God’s rule.

Jesus’ commitment to His mission of euangelizō stands out in His deliberate focus. Even when faced with swelling crowds eager for more of His miracles, Jesus retreated to pray and realigned Himself with His greater purpose: taking the message of God’s Kingdom to other towns and people. This singular focus and determination underscores His deep understanding of His role—not to chase popularity but to fulfill the divine calling to spread the Good News widely and powerfully.

What does this mean for us? As followers of Jesus, we are also tasked with proclaiming this same Good News to others. In a world cluttered with distractions, it is vital that we remain focused on this purpose, living and sharing the message of hope and salvation.

Start each day with prayer and intentionality, just as Jesus did. Ask God, “Where would You send me today?” Be ready to embody and share the Good News, serving others in love and keeping your eyes on the eternal purpose. As you do, watch the Kingdom of God continue to grow, reaching one person, one heart, and one town at a time.

May the Lord fill your heart with the same passion Jesus had for proclaiming His Kingdom. And may He grant you Jesus-like determination to be a bearer of the Good News to a lost and dying world. 

April 20 -- "Jesus’ Blueprint for Resisting Temptation"

Today’s Reading: Luke 4:1-22

In Luke 4, Jesus triumphed over Satan's temptations by fully relying on God's Word, showing us how we too can overcome temptation through spiritual dependence, obedience, and Scripture. Each temptation challenged Jesus to act independently of the Father’s will—whether by meeting a legitimate need in an illegitimate way, seeking promotion without the cross, or testing God instead of trusting Him. Yet in each instance, Jesus responded, “It is written,” demonstrating that victory in the spiritual battle comes from grounding ourselves in God’s truth.

In verses 4–8, Satan tempts Jesus with the offer of worldly power in exchange for worship. Essentially, he says, "You can rule every kingdom on earth if you worship me instead of God." This is a devious attempt to bypass Jesus' path to kingship. "You can have power without pain, a crown without suffering," Satan whispers. But Jesus stands firm on Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13: “It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve.” He doesn't engage in argument—He simply relies on God's Word.

Through this, Jesus affirms the supremacy of the one true God, Yahweh, and exposes all other so-called “gods” as false. Worship belongs to God alone, as Scripture consistently declares: "For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14)

Jesus demonstrates the unmatched power of Scripture in the face of spiritual opposition. He doesn't argue with Satan or offer opinions; He simply responds with God’s Word. Today, temptations are everywhere—subtle distractions, misplaced priorities, the lure of pleasure, and empty promises. Whether it's success, wealth, pleasure, relationships, or ambition, we must identify and remove these modern substitutes for God from the throne of our hearts.

For instance, when a colleague encourages you to falsify a report to make your department look better, God reminds you of Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” By standing on God's Word, you resist the temptation to compromise your integrity.

Similarly, while browsing the internet, a pop-up offering free access to “adult content” appears. In that moment, the Holy Spirit brings 1 Corinthians 6:18 to mind: “Flee from sexual immorality.” By holding fast to Scripture, you resist the temptation, recognizing it for what it truly is—an enticement toward harm.

These examples show how God’s Word equips us to navigate everyday temptations, offering us wisdom through His Word and strength through the Holy Spirit to make choices that honor Him and benefit others. 

April 19 -- "The Holy Spirit and Fire"

Today’s Reading: Luke 3

Imagine standing on the edge of something brand new—like watching the sunrise on a day that will change everything. That’s what was happening when John the Baptist stepped onto the scene. He was paving the way for Jesus, the Messiah, who was about to introduce a radical shift in how people could encounter and experience God.

John’s baptism was powerful—an outward sign of turning away from sin and turning toward God. But Jesus? Oh, He came with something far more powerful: a baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire! Not just a symbolic splash, but a supernatural infusion of God’s presence into the very hearts of His people. This was the dawning of a new era—where heaven touched earth, and God no longer dwelled in temples made of stone, but in the lives of ordinary men and women made extraordinary by His Spirit.

Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is like living by candlelight your whole life, and then suddenly—boom!—the lights come on and you’re connected to the power grid. Candlelight is beautiful and has its place. It can help you see. It sets a gentle mood. But it’s limited. It flickers. It can’t power a heater, or a refrigerator, or a sound system. Now imagine flipping a switch and being flooded with bright, steady light. Not just light—but access to power that can run an entire city! Everything changes. Rooms you couldn’t see before are now wide open. You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving with full access to what was always available but never activated.

When a follower of Jesus receives this baptism, everything changes. They don’t just believe—they blaze. They speak with boldness, serve with joy, love with power, and see God working through them in amazing ways. The gifts of the Spirit—prophecy, teaching, healing, evangelism, encouragement—begin to flow more freely and more fruitfully. Worship becomes a heart-to-heart encounter. Prayer becomes a lifeline. And God’s presence? Oh, it's not just felt—it fills the room.

This baptism lights up your soul, deepens your walk, and fuels your faith with fresh fire. It is an invitation to live daily in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you!

So let your heart be open, your hands lifted, and your life surrendered. May the Lord baptize you afresh today with His Spirit—filling you with boldness, joy, peace, and unshakable confidence. You were made to be on fire with His glory. And the One who baptizes with fire is still at work—setting hearts ablaze to light up a dark and desperate world.

May the Lord pour out His Spirit upon you afresh, baptizing you with His power, His love, and His light. Come, Holy Spirit—do it again. 

April 18 -- "The Boy Who Knew it All"

 

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:25-52

Have you ever wondered about the years between Jesus’ birth and the beginning of His public ministry? Often called the “lost” years by Bible scholars, these moments may seem like gaps in His story. Yet, the glimpses we do have are deeply meaningful, offering a rare insight into Jesus’ early life. Luke chapter 2 offers one such glimpse.

Picture it: twelve-year-old Jesus, the very Creator of the universe, the Word Made Flesh, sitting among the most respected teachers and scholars of His day. These rabbis, known for their deep understanding of Scripture, passionately share their interpretations of sacred texts, unaware that the boy before them is the Author of those very words. Picture their amazement as this young boy participates in their discussions, listening, asking questions, and offering profoundly inisghtful answers.

What must it have been like for Jesus, the One who spoke creation into being, to humbly sit and hear interpretations of His Word? Though He held divine wisdom, Jesus chose to fully engage in the learning process, respecting the roles these teachers played in God’s plan. He didn’t interrupt or correct them but embraced the moment, demonstrating humility and a teachable spirit.

In this interaction, Jesus revealed a profound truth about wisdom. True wisdom is not about flaunting knowledge or proving superiority (even though He was omniscient and knew all things). Instead, wisdom is rooted in humility, demonstrated through building meaningful relationships, sharing insights, and fostering mutual understanding. His choice to listen and engage, rather than overpower, reflects how even the Creator cherishes the journey of discovering truth together.

The 12-year-old Jesus challenges us to approach life with the same humility and openness. Like Jesus, we are called to recognize that there’s always more to learn and to value the people around us in our journey. Are we about our Father's business? Do we hunger for His Word? Are we growing in wisdom and obedience? A teachable spirit means being open to new perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and embracing opportunities to grow. It also invites us to be fully present in our relationships, engaging others with respect and genuine care. By doing so, we reflect Christ’s character, creating spaces where wisdom, love, and understanding can flourish.

May God bless you with a heart eager to learn and grow. As you interact with others, may you follow His example and seek to grow in favor with God and others.

April 17 -- "Hidden Glory in Ordinary Places"

 

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-24

During the miraculous birth of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 2, God chose to unveil His glory in ways that defied expectation—through the humble town of Bethlehem, the simplicity of a manger, and the ordinary lives of shepherds. This captivating truth reveals a profound pattern: God delights in transforming the seemingly ordinary and insignificant into vessels of His magnificent purposes and glory.

Bethlehem – A Quiet, Unremarkable Town: Nestled in the region of Judea, Bethlehem was a town that could easily be overlooked. Unlike the bustling city of Jerusalem, it held no notable status or influence. Yet God intentionally chose this modest place to become the birthplace of the Savior. In this choice, we see God’s remarkable ability to work through the unassuming and overlooked, emphasizing that true greatness is often found where the world least expects it.

The Manger – A Testament to Humility: Among the symbols in the Christmas story, the manger stands as one of the most striking. As a feeding trough for animals, it was far from the setting anyone would imagine for a newborn, much less for the Son of God. Yet here, in such an ordinary and humble place, Christ’s glory was revealed. This stark contrast between the grandeur of His identity and the simplicity of His first resting place reminds us that God’s glory shines brightest in humility. The manger was not a throne, yet it became a beacon of divine purpose.

The Shepherds – Unexpected Bearers of the Good News: Shepherds were considered the lowliest of society. They had jobs that were demanding, isolated, and often unappreciated. They were not individuals one would expect to be part of royal announcements or celestial events. Yet, God chose them—these humble men—to be the first witnesses to the angelic proclamation of Jesus’ birth. In doing so, God proclaimed that His Good News is for ALL people, breaking down barriers of social status, occupation, wealth, or heritage. The shepherds remind us that God’s message transcends every human division, extending grace and purpose to all.

Just as God chose Bethlehem, the manger, and the shepherds—each seemingly insignificant by the world’s standards—He is using your life in ways that may feel small but carry eternal significance. You don’t need a grand stage or great influence to make an impact—your obedience in the ‘small’ things is part of His greater plan. So keep serving, keep sharing His Good News, and keep ministering to others, knowing that Heaven rejoices over your faithfulness.

Today, May the Lord strengthen and guide you, opening your eyes to how He is working through you, and may you walk boldly in His calling, confident that His glory is shining through your surrendered heart.

April 16 -- "Jehovah is a Gracious Giver"

 

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:57-80

When we hang on to God’s promises, no matter how unlikely their fulfillment may seem at the moment, we position ourselves to witness the extraordinary unfolding of His faithfulness as He fulfills His plans in ways that exceed our greatest hopes and expectations. That is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

This Jewish couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, had waited a lifetime for a child, and when God finally answered, it wasn’t just any child—it was John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah. When Zechariah confirmed his son’s name as “John” as the angel had instructed, his silenced tongue was released, and awe filled those who witnessed it. In both the Hebrew (יְהוֹחָנָן) and Greek (Ἰωάννης,) the name “John” means “Jehovah is a Gracious Giver.” By giving him this name, the angel was making a statement: God’s grace is at work, His promises are unfolding, and His favor is being poured out in a way no one expected.

Zechariah’s journey is a lesson in trusting God’s word, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Initially, he doubted the angel’s message because it seemed impossible—after all, he and Elizabeth were well beyond childbearing years. His disbelief led to temporary silence, but when he finally aligned his heart with God’s promise by naming his son John, his voice returned. This moment testified to everyone that God was doing something remarkable. In the same way, when we trust God’s promises despite uncertainty, we make room for His power to work in ways we could never predict.

We all face moments when God’s promises seem delayed or unlikely. Maybe you’ve prayed for healing, or a breakthrough, or the salvation of a loved one, but the answer hasn’t come—or it hasn’t come the way you expected. Like Zechariah, we can either let doubt silence our faith or we can choose to believe, even when we don’t see immediate results. God’s faithfulness is never in question; the real question is whether we will trust Him enough to hold on.

What promise has God given you that seems distant or unlikely? Don’t let silence, delay, or circumstances shake your confidence in Him. Speak in agreement with God’s word. Hold fast to His promises. The day will come when you, like Zechariah, will see God move in ways that will leave you and those around you in awe.

May the Lord strengthen your heart to trust in His perfect timing. May you stand firm in faith, even in the waiting, and may you witness the breathtaking fulfillment of His promises in ways that exceed your greatest expectations.

April 15 -- "Jesus—More Than a Name"

 

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:26-56

The name "Jesus" is far more than a title—it’s a divine declaration of His mission and identity. When the angel Gabriel instructed Mary to name her child Jesus, he announced the most extraordinary rescue plan in history. The Son of God entered the world to save sinners, and His very Name boldly proclaims this purpose.

In Jewish culture, names held profound significance, often reflecting one’s origin, character, and destiny. God’s choice of the name "Jesus" was intentional and deeply meaningful. It declared that salvation wouldn’t come from religion, human effort, or morality, but through a Person. This Person, who walked among the broken, healed the sick, and willingly went to the cross, was not merely a savior—He was and is the Savior of the world.

The name "Jesus" carries rich meaning in both Hebrew and Greek. In Hebrew, it is יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), a shortened form of יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." In the Greek of the New Testament, Yeshua was transliterated as Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), perfectly aligning with the mission spoken of in Matthew 1:21: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." His Name stands as a declaration of the only way to salvation.

Today, the name "Jesus" is spoken in countless languages and dialects. Whether you pronounce it as “hay-SOOS” in Spanish, “YAY-zoos” in German, “YAY-zus” in Dutch, “Yasūʿ” in Arabic, or “Yeshu” in Hindi, it always means the same thing: "Yahweh saves. This unifying Name transcends cultures and brings the same life-giving hope to all who call upon it.

The angel’s message wasn’t merely an announcement—it was a divine proclamation that this child would bear the only Name capable of reconciling sinful humanity with a holy God. The name "Jesus" wasn’t given just for Mary’s joy; it is the Name for all the world to call upon for salvation.

What does this mean for us? It assures us that we don’t have to strive for salvation or earn God’s favor. Jesus is our perfect Savior, completely sufficient. His Name is a refuge, a source of strength and peace. As Romans 10:13 proclaims, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

May His holy and powerful Name be your strength in weakness, your peace in turmoil, and your joy in every season. And may you walk in the power of His saving grace, boldly declaring the Name that is above all names—Jesus.